Leadership Jackson County (LJC), is a pro-gram co-sponsored by the County Cooperative Extension Office, Jack-son County EDA, and The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Com-merce, designed to de-velop and enhance community leadership. Participants from diverse backgrounds will gain expanded knowledge of our community, develop relationships, and acquire skills in order to assure a more active and effec-tive volunteer role in ad-dressing community needs.

This annual program gives residents an overview of the county, including its history, judicial system, health care system, agricul-ture, economic develop-ment, local government, educational system, and community programs. LJC begins with an overnight orientation in September. After orientation, the class meets every second Thurs-day of the month from October through March. The programs last all day and are held at various locations throughout the county, depending on the topic. LJC culminates with an overnight trip to Mont-gomery in April to learn

about state govern-ment.

So if you want to find out about Jackson County— all the things it has to offer, meet new ener-getic people, and have fun at the same time— then you should join Leadership Jackson County.

Editor : Jerry Heard

Winter / Spring 2010

WINTER / SPRING 2010

Youth Leadership Jackson County (YLJC) is designed to prepare and build leadership resources throughout the county. The selected group of participants will be com-prised of young leaders and emerging leaders of the area. These participants will receive an intense view of civic and governmental lead-

ership through direct contact with a wide spectrum of institu-tions that keep Jackson County moving forward. YLJC provides an outstanding educational opportunity through participa-tory experiences.

QualificationsQualificationsQualificationsQualifications

• A junior in good standing.

• Must have an average of 80 in core curriculum sub-jects during the 9th & 10th grades.

• An established history of acceptable attendance and behavior.

• Application must be signed by the principal.

WELCOME To Leadership

Jackson County 2010

Youth Leadership Jackson County

Leadership Jackson C

ounty

Letter from Chairman 2

YLJC Calendar 3

YLJC Accomplishments 5

Industry Day 7

Black History 8

LJC Board 9

Inside this issue:

Special points of in-terest:

• Comments from LJC Chairman-Leon Galecki

• Comments from Chair-man of Jackson County Extension-Mike Sims

• YLJC members already shining.

• An acknowledgement of Black History Month.

The Leadership Jackson County program is in the process of renewal. What do I mean by this state-ment? Well, the Class of 2009’s project is to pro-mote the awareness of the Leadership Program in Jackson County. This objective will be achieved by the design of a new logo that will be placed on the T-Shirt promotional (logo on front page.) We are planning to contact community groups and municipalities to get on their agendas in order to promote the program. The committee will contact the local media venues as a form of creating awareness of the benefits of Leadership Jackson County. In addition, we are in the process of plan-ning quarterly meetings for alumni that will ad-dress business, networking and personal needs. If you have any ideas that will be beneficial to our efforts, please feel free to contact me, Mike Sims at (256) 574-2134 or simsthe@aces.edu.

P A G E 2

Comments from the Director of Jackson county

Extension Off ice—Mike S ims

2009 was an interesting year for Leadership Jackson County (LJC). For the first time since the course was started 20 years ago, we failed to have enough peo-ple sign up to have a class! There were lots of contrib-uting factors. The bad economy was probably the biggest reason, but the next was the fact that LJC is not well known throughout Jackson County. In Scottsboro, most everyone knows about us, but out-side of Scottsboro where the other two-thirds of Jack-son County residents live, we are hardly known at all. Your Board of Directors have been working hard with the Class of 2009 to come up with ideas and plans to make LJC much more recognizable by all residents. The class is putting together a slide presen-tation that can be used at civic events and taken to local town meetings to tell everyone about LJC. They are also planning a question and answer program for Scottsboro cable channel. The Board has selected a T-shirt design with a new logo for LJC. All sales profits will be used for scholarships. The first order of 60 shirts are available for pick-up at the Extension Office. We are doing all we can to get the word out about the value of LJC. We still need everyone’s help. If you have any ideas how we can better let the rest of Jackson County know about us, contact me or any Board member. The next class will be starting in the fall of 2010.

E D I T O R : J E R R Y H E A R D

Comments from chairman of leadership

Jackson county— Leon Galecki

In order to stay in better contact with all LJC alumni, we are asking everyone to update their personal information by sending to Mike, Sue Wade, or my-self your current address and email for our database. If you missed the first T-shirt order, you can contact Sue Wade to place an order. My email is phoenix-

farm@gmail.com and Sue’s email is

sue.wade@regions.com.

Program ChairsProgram ChairsProgram ChairsProgram Chairs ProgramsProgramsProgramsPrograms DateDateDateDate

John Lovelady

Rebecca Hullet

Teresa Lovelady

Jerry Heard

Orientation

September 23, 2009

Rebecca Hullet

Teresa Lovelady

Agriculture October 15, 2009

Donna Haislip Local History November 12, 2009

Jerry Heard

Teresa Lovelady

Industry / Tourism December 10, 2009

Stuart Dawson Local Government January 14, 2010

John Hardman Education & Media February 11, 2010

Vicki Watts Health Care March 11, 2010

John Lovelady

Jerry Heard

Teresa Lovelady

State Government

Montgomery, Al

April TBD

John Lovelady

Debbie Woods

Graduation May 13 TBD

Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County Youth Leadership Jackson County

Once again, the local schools of Jackson County were able to provide young leaders who are eager to make their impact on Jackson County and the world as a whole. These participants will receive an intense view of the civic and governmental leadership through direct contact with a wide spectrum of institutions. The competition to be accepted in the program was un-believable - over 100 students interviewed. Unfortunately, we could only accept 35 students. for the Class of 2009-2010

Youth Leadership Jackson County 2009Youth Leadership Jackson County 2009Youth Leadership Jackson County 2009Youth Leadership Jackson County 2009----2010 Calendar,2010 Calendar,2010 Calendar,2010 Calendar,

Program Chairs, and Program DatesProgram Chairs, and Program DatesProgram Chairs, and Program DatesProgram Chairs, and Program Dates

P A G E 3 L E A D E R S H I P J A C K S O N C O U N T Y

Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Class of 2009Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Class of 2009Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Class of 2009Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Class of 2009----2010201020102010

ScottsboroScottsboroScottsboroScottsboro North JacksonNorth JacksonNorth JacksonNorth Jackson PisgahPisgahPisgahPisgah North Sand MtnNorth Sand MtnNorth Sand MtnNorth Sand Mtn Carrie Bailey Ryan Smith Lauren Millican Katelyn Shrader

Morgan Rogers Kristen Allison Shainah Peek Emily Camp

Shelbie Clark Shayla Beasley Ariel Nelson Chelsea Siniard

Sara Mitchell Rachel Stewart Jerrett Haynes Kaitlyn Farrow

Sarika Patel Matthew Roberts Christian Young Caleb Young

Emily Hamm Phillip Carter

Haley Abril

Loren Staton SectionSectionSectionSection SkylineSkylineSkylineSkyline WoodvilleWoodvilleWoodvilleWoodville Graham Skelton Sarah Dunn Casey Dalton Tyler Clark

Emily Hall Markie Haynes Julie Seabolt Chelsea Collins

Amanda Crawford Max Fuller

Paint Rock Paint Rock Paint Rock Paint Rock Mountain ViewMountain ViewMountain ViewMountain View Ashley Nelson Tiffany Morrison

Rebecca Molina

P A G E 4 L E A D E R S H I P J A C K S O N C O U N T Y

Members of Youth Leadership Jackson County are not only en-couraged to show leadership, but it is expected. Another step is taken when the schools these students attend, recognize them as a beacon for that school’s character and integrity by voting them their Homecoming Queen. That is just what happened to two members of the 2008-2009 Class. They were chosen be-cause of their leadership qualities to participate in Youth Leader-ship Jackson County and then chosen as role models by their classmates. Congratulations to Dynasty and Lee Ann!

P A G E 5

Not only Leaders, but beautiful too!

E D I T O R : J E R R Y H E A R D

P A G E 6 L E A D E R S H I P J A C K S O N C O U N T Y

More Awards For The Class of 2008-2009

Class of 2008 – 2009 Continues to shine

The Youth Leadership Jackson County Class of 2008-2009 continues to receive recognition for their work in leadership roles. In an article published by The Daily Sentinel, Jeronica Kelly was cho-sen as the Youth of The Year for the Boys and Girls Club. To receive this award, Jeronica had to fill out an appli-cation, complete an interview, and com-plete community service. Jeronica is very active in her church and sings in the choir.

Alumni Dues and Their ImportanceAlumni Dues and Their ImportanceAlumni Dues and Their ImportanceAlumni Dues and Their Importance

The Leadership Jackson County Program is a non-profit organization which seeks to prepare and build leadership resources. Local businesses do a wonderful job of hosting LJC classes and sponsorships, but it does not cover all expenses or funds needed for scholarships.

This is where the LJC Alumni can play a major role in supporting the program by giving back to the program. Each alumnus is asked to give a $25 annual donation every January which is used directly to provide scholarships for Youth Leadership graduates. None of us are exempt from the tough economic times, but can we really afford not to give this donation? We have to be willing to make investments in the future of Jackson County, Alabama, and the nation, by in-vesting in our youths.

Your donations last year helped fund scholarships for each of the following students:

• Torre Pike of North Sand Mountain High School—$500

• Katie Majors of Scottsboro High School—$500

• Auriel Harris of North Jackson High School—$500

• Lindsey Schippers of Woodville High School—$750

• Amber Overby of Pisgah High School—$750.

• Dusty Shrader of North Sand Mountain High School—$1,500

P A G E 7 L E A D E R S H I P J A C K S O N C O U N T Y

Rick Roden, President and CEO of the Greater Jack-son County Chamber of Commerce, talks to YLJC during Industry Day at the Smurfit-Stone Stevenson Mill. Rick explains the role of the Chamber to help Jackson County and the entire state of Alabama thrive and grow. He gave details on the “Focus Jackson County” magazine that outlines the cham-ber’s strategy to grow Jackson County.

Industry Day at SmurfitIndustry Day at SmurfitIndustry Day at SmurfitIndustry Day at Smurfit————Stone on December 10, 2009 for YLJCStone on December 10, 2009 for YLJCStone on December 10, 2009 for YLJCStone on December 10, 2009 for YLJC

Also joining Rick Roden (far right) on Industry Day to talk about all that Jackson County has to offer and the plans to get us moving into the future is (from left to right): Dus Rogers, President and CEO of Jackson County EDA; Ron Bailey, Director of Business Development; J.P. Parsons, V.P. of Desti-nation Marketing, Jackson County Tourism.

Industry Day at John Mansville December 10, 2009 for YLJCIndustry Day at John Mansville December 10, 2009 for YLJCIndustry Day at John Mansville December 10, 2009 for YLJCIndustry Day at John Mansville December 10, 2009 for YLJC

Dan Stott, Plant Manager of Johns Manville explains the process of making roofing materials and the re-quired raw materials used in the process. The roofing material produced at this plant is in top demand by large commercial buildings like Target, CVS Pharmacy and even Unclaimed Baggage Center.

P A G E 8

In recognition of Black history month

E D I T O R : J E R R Y H E A R D

A dream Come true for ljc graduate!

The month of February is recognized and celebrated as Black History Month. Since the inception of Leadership Jackson County in 1990, there have been eight (8) African-Americans who have partici-pated and graduated from the program. These members are : Sheila Washington, Rita Blair, Gary Speers, Mike Sims, Jerome Truss, Doris Hutchins, Jerry Heard, and Wanda Pharris. Sheila Washington was the first to graduate in 1994. These graduates have not been idle but have been busy utilizing the skills they gained in LJC. Here are some of the accomplishments for these members:

• Gary Speers was the pastor of St. Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church for several years and is cur-rently a member of the Scottsboro City Council, Assistant Principal at Collins Elementary and Scotts-boro Jr. High School. He is also the co-founder of the Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Culture Foundation. Please see AfricanPlease see AfricanPlease see AfricanPlease see African----American Members American Members American Members American Members ---- page 9page 9page 9page 9

Sheila Washington’s dream comes true as the Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church is dedicated as the Scottsboro Boys Museum. Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter reads a plaque pro-claiming February as “Black History Month.” Also pic-tured with Mayor Potter (from left to right): City Councilman Gary Speers, Kim Speers, Sheila Wash-ington and Rev. Cliff Par-rish. This program took place January 18, 2010.

Sheila Washington graduated from Leadership Jackson County in 1994. The program encouraged her to be a leader and not just settle for what this world brings you, but be proactive and willing to make a differ-ence in your community. She took this advice to heart and combined that with her passion for children and helped to establish the Boys and Girls Club, in which she was the director for 6 years. Sheila didn’t stop there. She dared to dream about bringing recognition to nine black teens who were accused of rap-ing two white women traveling on a train through Jackson County in 1931. Of course, these nine black teen became known as “The Scottsboro Boys”. For 17 years, Sheila worked tirelessly to make sure these young men would never be forgotten. Just like a true leader, Sheila planned her work, then worked her plan. As hard work will do, on January 18, 2010, Sheila stood and watched as the Scottsboro Boys Mu-seum and Cultural Center opened during a dedication ceremony at the Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church. She said, “ I can almost hear them in their graves saying Free At Last, Free At Last.” By the way, don’t just think that this museum and the Scottsboro Boys are only being recognized locally. The Vineyard Theatre in New York is presenting a stirring musical play about the Scottsboro Boys that runs from Febru-ary 12—March 21. The stellar cast features Tony-winner John Cullum, Brandon Victor Dixon and Colman Domingo. For more details visit www.vineyardtheatre.org.

Past Chairperson—Donna Haslip

Chairperson—Leon Galecki

Vice-Chairperson—Kelly Goodowens

Secretary—Patti Bottomlee

Treasurer—Sue Wade

Adult Program Chair—Donna Sands

Youth Program Chair—John Lovelady

Youth Program Co-Chairs

- Stuart Dawson - Rebecca Hullet

- John Hardman - Jerry Heard

Tech Chair Justin Mayhew

County Extension Rep—Mike Sims

Chamber of Commerce—Mary Lackey

Economic Development Authority—Marilyn Lott

Development Chair—Jerry Heard

P A G E 9 L E A D E R S H I P J A C K S O N C O U N T Y

African-American Members

Ljc Board of Directors YLJC 2009-2010 Sponsors

Leadership Jackson County is a partnership of several members. Without the sponsorship of breakfast, lunches, and transportation by the Jackson County government and businesses, the program could not be successful.

Bynum Foundation Farmers Federation

Section Pharmacy First Jackson Bank

Peoples Independent Bank Smurfit-Stone

First National Bank Scottsboro Utilities

Northeast Community College First Southern Bank

Unclaimed Baggage Center Scottsboro Utilities

Highland Medical Center Jackson County Sheriff

• Rita Blair has been very busy. She has been the President and Vice-President of the Jackson County Kiwanis Club and was the Chair of YLJC for two (2) years. For the past year she has been the Com-mander of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary FLOTILLA after moving up from the Vice –Commander posi-tion. She is the President of Source 4 Manufacturing that specializes in home installations and two part coatings and the President of a consulting firm called RFB Consulting. She sponsors Junior Achievement in a 12-week business venture for 20 kids in Jackson County schools and 20 kids from DeKalb County schools.

• Mike Sims is the Director of the Jackson County Extension Office and key member on the Board of Directors for Leadership Jackson County. Mike also heads up a Master Gardener class for Jackson County.

• Jerry Heard is the Development Chair for LJC Board of Directors, Co-Chair of YLJC and the editor of the LJC Newsletter. He serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors for CASA Jackson County, is a member of the Smurfit-Stone Members Assistance Committee and the Director of the First Missionary Baptist Church TV Ministry, which airs on Scottsboro Cable Channel 10.

• Doris Hutchins has enjoyed a 12 year career as the dispatcher for the City of Stevenson Police Depart-ment.

• Wanda Pharris works for the Alabama Co-Op Extension with emphasis on 4-H Youth Development. Wanda has a 4-H display at the Jackson County Library to encourage youths. She also has developed and implemented an ATV Safety Program where she trains Law Enforcement Agents, Policemen, Firemen, and the local Sherriff departments on the dangers of ATV vehicles.

• Jerome Truss was the HR Manager for Mead / Smurfit-Stone for 12 years, but is now currently em-ployed as the HR/Safety/ Environmental Manger for Lee Brass in Anniston Alabama. Lee Brass manu-factures brass and bronze castings for plumbing, water works, and marine products.